giving back

Music lessons can help children develop a stronger work ethic, strengthen problem-solving skills, and build confidence. Programs like the strings outreach give back to the community in many ways.

Strings Outreach

For years EMU strings faculty have worked with local schools to offer strings instruction to elementary students. Through the program, hundreds of students receive weekly one-hour group lessons after school for a minimal fee. In 2008, the program was expanded to include middle school students, too.

The school system grew from the success of EMU’s “violin outreach project,” begun in 2002 as a way of offering violin instruction to low-income students in the city and county. Within five years, 50 students were taking lessons once a week after school at local elementary and in evening classes at EMU.

Where does the money come from?

The outreach project has been funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Arts Council of the Valley.

Local business like Music Gallery, a Harrisonburg music store, provide many of the instruments, CDs and other supplies students need. Parents of Preparatory Music Program students have donated used instruments.